Hawthorne Police Seize Large Drug Cache in Rt. 208 Vehicle Stop

Content Options

Anthony Papa of Johnstown, NY, and James Ebeling of St. Johnsville, NY.Anthony Papa of Johnstown, NY, and James Ebeling of St. Johnsville, NY. Credits: Hawthorne Police Department

By TAPINTO HAWTHORNE STAFF

August 31, 2018 at 12:13 PM

HAWTHORNE, NJ - Early Wednesday afternoon, Hawthorne Police pulled over a black 2014 Ford Fusion. What could have been a routine stop instead yielded a large cache of suspected heroin, marijuana, cash, and items associated with the distribution of narcotics, according to a statement from the Hawthorne Police Department.

The officers stopped the Ford near Utter Avenue on the northbound side of Route 208 for motor vehicle violations. It was while speaking with the driver, Anthony Papa, 27, of Johnstown, NY, that officers noticed "track marks"--punctures and lines as a result of intravenous injections--on his arms. The passenger in the vehicle, James Ebeling, 21, of St. Johnsville, NY, was observed to have two rubber bands worn around his wrist, of a type often used in the packaging of heroin. Both the driver and passenger were questioned and the two gave conflicting accounts to the officers.

The officers suspected that there may be narcotics inside the vehicle and Papa consented to a police search. Within the vehicle, a considerable narcotics supply was found. The Hawthorne Police Department reported that 30 bricks of suspected heroin (each brick being 50 glassine envelopes) were discovered, weighing in at .503 kilograms or 1.108 pounds. In addition, 253 grams or 8.92 ounces of suspected marijuana were taken, along with two hypodermic syringes, a collection of packing material associated with narcotics distribution, and $1,310 in cash.

Due to the amount of heroin taken, Papa and Ebeling were charged with distribution of heroin in the 1st degree. They were further charged with distribution of marijuana in the 3rd degree, possession of heroin, possession of marijuana over 50 grams, possession of hypodermic syringes, and possession of drug paraphernalia for the packing materials. Both Papa and Ebeling were taken to the Passaic County Jail in Paterson where they await a detention hearing.

HAWTHORNE, NJ - Hawthorne's Thin Blue Line is not just about protecting the community, but also serving the well-being of those suffering from cancer by supporting organizations dedicated to fighting the battle against the disease. Among those causes this year were promoting breast cancer awareness, raising money through its PBA Clambake at Bottagra Restaurant, and shunning their razors for "No ...

HAWTHORNE, NJ - Hawthorne's Thin Blue Line is not just about protecting the community, but also ...

HAWTHORNE, NJ - Locals on Passaic Avenue in Hawthorne heard a crash when a gray SUV struck the steps and facade of a house at approximately 7:20 p.m. according to the Hawthorne Fire Department.

Police and fire personnel responded to the scene and found that while the house incurred some damage, the car was worse off. The driver, whose name was not released, was transported to the hospital ...

HAWTHORNE, NJ - Locals on Passaic Avenue in Hawthorne heard a crash when a gray SUV struck the ...

PORT MURRAY, NJ -- Tree-licious Orchards has a great reputation for their varieties of apples, fruits and vegetables, but it’s also known as a foster home for rescue husky dogs. “Our huskies just love life at the orchard,” said Tree-licious partner, Ginger Kesler.

Housing huskies at the farm started as a way to help reduce the orchard of critters and provide a better life for the dogs. “Our ...

PORT MURRAY, NJ -- Tree-licious Orchards has a great reputation for their varieties of apples, ...

HAWTHORNE, NJ - Anticipating a large amount of Styrofoam following the holidays, the Hawthorne Green Team and the Borough will be holding a Styrofoam Drive on Saturday, December 29, between noon and 3:00 p.m. at the Recycling Center off of Wagaraw Road. In the event of inclement weather, the Styrofoam Drive will be rescheduled for Saturday, January 5.

“It’s going to be good," said Rayna ...

HAWTHORNE, NJ - Anticipating a large amount of Styrofoam following the holidays, the Hawthorne ...

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ - The curtain goes up on the world premiere of "And My True Love Gave to Me," an original Christmas comedy written by township resident Luigi Jannuzzi on Thursday, Dec. 13 at the Hudson Theatre Works, 80 Hauxhurst Ave., Weehawken.

Show times are 8 p.m. Dec. 13-15, and 5 p.m. Dec. 16.

Jannuzzi, a graduate of Bound Brook High School, also taught English, Drama and Creative ...

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ - The curtain goes up on the world premiere of "And My True Love Gave to Me," an ...

SOMERSET , NJ – Over the past few years, non-profit organizations have used “creative and unique” campaigns to bring local and national attention to their cause.

The ALS Foundation took the country and world by storm during the summer of 2014 with the Ice Bucket Challenge. Susan G. Komen has spread the word about breast cancer by painting towns pink. The Pancreatic Cancer Network uses ...

SOMERSET , NJ – Over the past few years, non-profit organizations have used “creative and unique” ...

Last year, our au pair from Sardinia, a little island of Italy, brought home grated cured mullet roe from her trip to the city with friends.

“This is from my hometown!” Giulia told us, taking out a little jar of Bottarga Di Muggine. The next day, she made a simple dish of spaghetti with asparagus, sprinkling each bowl with a spoonful of the bottarga.

CLINTON, NJ -- TAPintoTV Senior Producer Kayla Galka recently stopped into Fourchette, a shop on Main Street here, and spoke with staff members about the secrets of the success behind this thriving small business.

Fourchette opened five years ago as a full-service cheese shop, with gourmet foods, imported French linens and unique home and kitchen goods. While other local stores have come and ...

Here we’re exploring tastes of the Garden State with stories and videos about the foods we love, from the hottest trends to hidden gems, the stories behind our favorites, destinations, awesome ingredients, events and festivals and, of course, great recipes.

This is the second TAPinto.net franchise for owner Jackie Lieberman, who also ...

MILLBURN, NJ -- Crowds gathered here in Taylor Park for the lighting of the 2nd Annual “Winter Walk,” presented by the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce. Held a day after “Shop Local Saturday,” the event highlighted the importance of community and supporting local destinations and businesses this holiday season.

“It brings people down into the town,” said Stephanie Murphy, President of ...